The crowd sprung from their hiding spots, darting to the Pillar, flailing weapons and roars. I was late to the call; even Juke went ahead without me, but once I got my bearings, I sprinted in with my tendril brandished.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuzENWDiz3f
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmNfyQtJzTb
The truth was, though I ran with purpose, I hadn't the slightest clue what to do. I looked left and right and observed the other members of the crowd. Some took up battles with guarding Bringers, others continued their onslaught. I slowed down, thinking of offering my help, but the crowd members made their adeptness in combat immediately known to me. As assuring as it was to see, it left me lodged in place. I looked around frantically, shaking sweat off my head with every turn.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1G3efFZY4U
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBKwzEY2vKr
"Kid! Over here!"240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIBHeAaRprJ
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnzuupHmzih
A voice called out to me– Juke's, and immediately I was brought back to the moment. He stood near the entrance of the Pillar, and to that destination I dashed. My head turned left and right rapidly, and I had to duck a few too many times to avoid getting caught in the crossfire. Once I arrived, I skidded to a stop.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVHo5AjVHAX
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAl6S7YCAkr
"Ya ready!?"240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSBLbI6N1PQ
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKOjGSdDlF2
"Don't ask! Let's just go!"240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqr65GxCBq6
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaNuV3OyRyp
We barged into the building with the rest of the squad. Nearly half of the members branched from the group to battle the guarding Bringers. I could only catch Lola and Pars before they finished their assault. Their attacks were effective and quickly incapacitated the members, if not outright killed them.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ960kUfUVu1
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ8lFpYiqwp
I couldn't help but avert my gaze at the bloodshed. Doing so, I noticed I was just about to ram into the person ahead of me. I quickly stopped, grazing the man's coat but narrowly avoiding a clash. I held my hand to my chest, frantically grateful, then stood there wondering why he stopped in the first place240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV067MBlJA9
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmdjjMUFux0
Fortunately, I was promptly answered.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYbDSnzyQTM
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHfN82F6EcX
"Everyone, listen! Form a double-file line with your group! As we ascend floors, the leading team will detach and battle whoever is on that floor! Am I clear!?"240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj55A0YeSOz
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZyIiBpSpVY
YEAH!240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWFX9MnnyTN
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO46xp3PnmA
I was ready for the roar this time, but still, I shook, because the plan Lola had just created hurled me into a spiral of disorganized questions. But I hadn't the time to even form them; the crowd moved immediately after the instructions were yelled. They went ahead of me, charging, and I would've done nothing but stand there and stare if it wasn't for the smack on my back.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDreyz9qLBS
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUMozp1ttRS
"Ack!"240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd3HLUEpI5d
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUEwCAYGG6F
I flashed my gaze at the culprit: none other than Juke.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx5BVsyup1P
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ87fgERMMv0
"Now ain't the time, kid! Hurry!"240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeUMvSZmBnC
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrYIcNtd9tU
"R-Right!"240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlzA9l7P5Tj
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiJcDkJtNXJ
I shook my head rapidly as we followed the rest of the group, slapping my cheeks over and over. I almost folded then and there. Chiding myself verbally wouldn't suffice. I quickly resolved myself as we ascended the first set of stairs, disjointed from the rest of the squad. When we arrived at the second floor, the group was still again. I thought for a moment that Lola might've forgotten something, but as I peered around the crowd and saw who stood before us, I became just like them.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSruq9shlIP
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVAexqMamuh
"...I wanted to nip it in the bud. But there are many of you."240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtYqMUSYfjA
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG2kgKUiqlc
Standing with a pose that revealed no fear, the Harbinger of Anger and a group of lackeys blocked the way.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEiQsTiCQLj
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8FGTeF6y7i
"Crap!"240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq3N13UdocU
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2GtlO6jXJu
I was worried, naturally. Having fought her before, I knew of her strength. But this was a different scenario. This time, I had a group of powerful fighters with me. By our sheer numbers, she shouldn't be a considerable threat.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMCRB08igg5
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5DHuL0Jy38
However, she still stood like she was. And that– that is what made me shudder.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2mEOtm2IAX
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDAf097gml1
"Well," she started, "make a move, will you? Otherwise, reinforcements will come."240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIwCxR3vexn
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLBM1eXRXcD
That comment put everyone on high alert, and only made me sweat more profusely. Having just been told that there is a time limit to this operation was a kick to the stomach. I looked at the rest of the crowd. They were brandishing their weapons and seemed to be readying their spells. I raised my tendril, half-heartedly ready to strike.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe4qT3nMc3C
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKWq5P0YEKg
However, nobody made a move. Nobody but Lola, who walked ahead of the crowd, her two-pronged dagger in hand.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6buH6vNxsn
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHIrT8bEWY9
"I'll handle this one. Everyone, move ahead."240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS3hexgmjHR
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVA1yx5cgun
"L-Lola!"240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVMBXPvpbAw
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLGSaqRh31W
That was Dave's voice. I had never heard him stutter until then.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3V32cBq3IQ
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy8P7Yub3tq
"I'll be fine. We don't have time to argue, just move! Go!"240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjIrtFD6aJU
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMjfjQ6WKFW
And the crowd did. It dispersed throughout the room. I went to the left side, eyeing the Bringers and preparing to respond to any attacks. The Harbinger just clicked her tongue and stepped forward.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJyGNX3UyPJ
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡanG5cRUZY2
"This will be easier on me. You and I. Are you ready?"240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx2m5q5M4Xm
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnDjm779Pqw
"Why, as ready as I'll ever be."240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4mGIvy8AN4
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrMkOZi3T5z
Shockingly, she ignored the rest of us. The few lackey Bringers were overwhelmed by our numbers The rest of the crowd descended, but I hung around for a moment and looked. I started at the floor. I saw blood and torn fabric that didn't come from the enemy, and as I raised my head my gaze fell on the two women.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlpwPwfa6ag
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRQ1uI3pq3B
Lola glanced at me. Her face was rigid, but her eyes said enough. I gritted my teeth and ascended the stairs, silently praying.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmZ0bPv2iUD
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡunMZAQg4EV
–
–
–240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcKEDrjj6Fb
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Provided that she was sober, Lola was extraordinarily talented at keeping a calm face. It was necessitated by her loathsome job. It wasn't just for fighting, but for looking good while doing it, because that was expected for someone in her position.
Lola had no reason to keep that face of hers at that moment, but even if she did, she wouldn't have been able to keep it for long.
"Hah. How oh how did I wind up here?"
Through the rubber grip her dagger slowly slipped from her palms. She tapped on it with her finger rhythmically– pinky first, index last, over and over. It was an instinctive thing for her. It had to be for it to happen because all her being was focused on the monster ahead.
A Harbinger. Elusive as they were, the only thing the highly-positioned such as herself knew was that their powers were mysterious and unpredictable. Fortunately, this one was historically noisy.
"You're the Harbinger of Anger, correct?"
"What's it to you, filth?"
"It wouldn't be wise for me to speak any further. I wouldn't want to leak any secrets, would I?"240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmXLK7dcDey
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl5bdCsAbaT
By the standards of the Pillars, the room was spacious. Desks and chairs occupied space intermittently, and none were in such a position that they'd become serious obstructions. Despite the ideal conditions, Lola's brow twitched, because it was the abundance of furniture that allowed her powers to be so effective. And due to the material the foundation and exterior of the building were made of, she had ever greater restrictions.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnOoARuYQBP
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBiJT95T4gT
Though, to her irritated admission, it was too risky and tedious to suspend anything bigger than a room.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkEXaKSRMB3
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk0crHuQ7qr
She shifted a leg back and shrunk her posture, pointing her dagger like a cat rearing to pounce. She didn't move, though. Her other hand hid behind her back, expelling mana and forming a mass of rock. The Harbinger tilted her head in response.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpOWCf8NXCV
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgEQsunaAva
"Do you have something you want to say?"240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0t4cSOlnJc
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmImZMqco9q
Lola slightly shuddered. Her guess was spot-on but said it in a fashion like she had just invaded her mind.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtCPHbYQnOj
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ953EJKMnoI
"...A name, perhaps? It's just common courtesy."240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaGjnHizzfb
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfQxcKT7iTh
"Oh, please. You should already know my name."240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8zW3DrW8ZZ
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfrXhBdGBej
"I'm sorry, but all I know is your title."240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj8vlynJJ8X
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuVOG9nhnxV
The Harbinger threw her head back while rolling her eyes. She opened her mouth as if to respond, but suddenly, she took a defensive stance with her knife with a reverse grip. The shift made Lola jump, and her mana expulsion was interrupted.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDUDvlyNV4m
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWPZA1xJoUC
"You're sneaky. I'll have to fight you head-on."240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡItrUKJO5qV
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPXq4TGchg7
The Harbinger took a similar stance to Lola, reeling her body back, and preparing to dash.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEoC0NFCe2T
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJcffkmJ18Y
"Call me Anima."240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIJZAV7tv9L
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4k26NflAMA
Her words came out of her mouth like hurled stones. Sluggish, spoken through a calm demeanor, they were laced with an apathy that stabbed at Lola's composure. A flurry formed in her chest, the one she felt every time she had to do the dirty part of her job; a putrid, crimson red. Only now, its color was blighted with a grassy yellow. After Lola's initial shock, the change dwindled in power. It was the same business as always, after all.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf0hGHM3JV2
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX3jFswrs9Y
The both of them gazed into each other's eyes. Anima narrowed hers, while Lola's did their best to scan.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqWLvZWYh4m
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSRQfCHFiKv
Then, the Harbinger dashed.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGAOZoEEkhE
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ65PAOc5P4p
She charged at Lola with brisk steps, holding the knife out like it was a battering ram. Her speed was surprising, but Lola reacted accordingly, dashing backward. Anima clicked her tongue, stopped her advance, and veered to the side. It surprised Lola, but she dispelled it quickly when the image of a flying chair grew closer and closer. She couldn't duck, so she stepped to the side, but an armrest of the chair caught her shoulder.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLEJD9RcnsW
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡurnBY2L044
"Ngh!"240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡePOr9AiO37
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIpO8BJAZOY
It hurt, but a bite on the lips drowned the pain. Anima's absurd move confused her and raised dozens of questions, but she had the time to answer none. Her opponent advanced, getting close enough to attempt a few swings. Lola dodged the first two, but after ducking the third, she pointed her dagger and thrust it at Anima's chest. But though it looked like it was sure to hit, Anima strafed to the side and avoided it perfectly. Lola's body committed to the trajectory of the knife just long enough for Anima to–240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4PgTM0Txxs
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUr535nVE2i
**THUD**240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmh5efeer6d
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6DqTnrSz2j
She delivered a kick to Lola's jaw, disorienting her and sending her rolling across the floor. Though it didn't hurt very much, the hit sent her head spinning. She got up quickly, though staying on her legs was arduous.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYVUAMlY7Sn
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTWZTdLdiLt
She caught Anima sprinting towards her. Too confused to make a complex motion, she simply fell on one of her knees and began mana expulsion.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvNMVjH74PL
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3cMumksTGT
"--!"240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFW00YL7ZZw
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw7E0rOccYe
Anima backed off, and from where she stood a slab of stone was erected from the ground, only to sloppily fall a second later.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvACNKe7wBQ
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡveGAMAzL30
Lola sighed, "There isn't enough space to work with. Tch."240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlXPVm8ijnW
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpxDv4rzGzW
As she regained her senses, she lamented the state of the room. Even the floor was magic-resistant, making it nigh-impossible to use her earth magic in such an offensive way. She desperately wanted to devise a plan, beginning to regret how carelessly she entered the battle, but her opponent handed her no such luxury.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaYfT7YVl1u
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPSinxpzQM3
Immediately, Anima jumped over the limp stone slab brandishing her knife. Lola was forced again to act defensively, backing away from the aggressive swings of the Harbinger. She swung once and twice, then followed up with a stab. Lola prepared to step back, but a sudden collision halted her.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpciOYaH5PI
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNBpboFyWDG
She had hit a wall.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFvTI03HhyF
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEAiyTFvgIV
"--!"240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLsAFukmEtq
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeTPAkPjtoc
If she opted to move her whole body, she'd be punctured. If she stepped to the side the knife would still nip her considerably. Enduring such a taxing injury this early wasn't an option. Thus, instead of moving her body–240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBg8ojFkjEJ
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2wihzC4pLx
**CLING**240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFpwVzqPkqI
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEdklmww54f
She intercepted Anima's blade with her own, catching it between the dual prongs of her dagger. The Harbinger's eyes widened for a moment, clearly surprised. Lola made note of that as a struggle ensued.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDHk3eGD0Pk
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv3B1rgxuyC
"Huh. I can't break free."240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxHMZKMav90
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3sgkNimoDz
The serrations on her knife caused it to get caught on the dagger. She couldn't dislodge it, but Lola's weapon was just as stuck as her opponent's. Anima jerked her leg, clearly preparing a kick, but Lola didn't react. The Harbinger delivered a blow to her right. She winced, but in her head, she celebrated.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡapJna5zCtS
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqIIpAFTU9D
"--Huh?"240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKavcHclwcL
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpw7OXv9UgD
"Caught you!"240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0aRaKaVMSw
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmAGKE4KZxW
She had Anima's leg wrapped in her arm. She tightened her hold, squeezing hard enough that a lesser fighter's bones would've shattered. Then, she began mana expulsion.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡULgnBWAExG
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsAtYrvHiLS
"You!"240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHaXFPyyikv
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8fop7IQi6u
Anima's panic was clear and immediate. At first, she attempted to pull her leg out of Lola's grasp, but she could barely make it nudge an inch. It did, however, make a spell difficult to produce.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe0jtTMHjQb
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFvaOxAVRoz
It was laborious, but Lola was sure that she guaranteed a blow. She formed a blade of earth, focusing on width rather than length, and prepared to blast it through the Harbinger's leg. But then, she suddenly felt a force at her front, and her body jerked forward.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP5Gij45D5b
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvEQfFH1xNI
The Harbinger freed her knife from Lola's dagger. Of course, it was the obvious decision when she forfeited the support of both arms. Lola had no time to curse herself for her oversight, because now a blade was soaring at her face. She ducked her head in time and, acting on instinct, she tackled Anima with a headbutt to her stomach.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzZWDYvYqrG
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGXjU4vYquf
"Hrk!"240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpx6CfZBnAJ
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡScnDC6HvTK
She recoiled from the blow, taking a few jagged steps back. Lola realized that she let go of her leg, but she still had the stubby cylinder of stone to hurl. And hurl it she did.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEZcCualpyk
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ736ITOCbwu
The Harbinger still reeled from the strike. Even through her rushed and lousy aim, Lola was confident that her cylinder would slug her opponent's head. Only, that didn't happen.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYkjKIvxhAv
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI6Ml34CsaT
By an inch the cylinder missed, and it wasn't because Lola aimed poorly, but because the Harbinger let herself stumble onto the ground, landing on her ass.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmuRyawH8cx
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYPjMj72AZH
Lola's bewilderment was profound, but she wasn't foolish enough to avoid capitalizing on her opponent's state. She leaped forward and stabbed the dagger from above, but she only hit the ground as the Harbinger rolled away. She hopped on her feet and tossed a haymaker kick that Lola retreated her head just in time for. Anima's follow-up blow was too sudden for Lola to dodge.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA8iUO8ghOj
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJgGbs325cn
She ate a heel to the head, a strike so fierce she flew to the wall. Fortunately, her chin wasn't hit, so Lola avoided being dazed. But her vision was blurred and her hearing was impaired.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDDLPEexhOW
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsN3f7hL4bN
Lola, however, had a spectacular guess as to what her opponent would do next, and so she retaliated. She placed both her hands on the ground, carelessly expelling mana and producing not a slab of earth, but a wave of water.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDFodFYMU8g
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtznn1cCoDt
A few seconds passed until her senses returned. When her vision was clear, she was pleased to find herself still alive, but now the entire room was damp and flooded. Anima was on the other side, similarly drenched, though she clearly suffered no damage.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOKTy8kYjSF
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc8JFYxTRDB
Not that she could muster that much mana, anyway.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzxKxlbHzMK
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpH7XArXhrg
"...This is irritating."240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtMwjiPnfj1
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1s3eQI7Ink
Lola got up to her feet, contorting her face. She made sure to at least keep one eye open because the Harbinger wasn't someone to be lax around. She found it difficult to keep her focus, though.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡimwbmk6kiz
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsumKXbl1Df
This moment. This eternal, present moment; how she loathed it. Her opponent was slippery in figure and form, escaping every jab Lola threw her way. And now, the entire floor was ruined. The furniture was maimed and jumbled by the force of the water. The carpet absorbed so much that it looked like it would burst.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbWNgeJ3uwf
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ZWvD3FrSK
It had barely been a few minutes, but Lola was beginning to get tired. Her stamina was unusually low, but with how much she drank to suppress her stress, it shouldn't have come as a surprise. She chuckled. For a moment, she had an awful load of clarity.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfo0B5xBR3F
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYudCU7yGHO
Giving up became more and more alluring.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGro977Yoab
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXmWM9WMpz5
"You're a bizarre woman. You also annoy me greatly."240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOkFvo0Z9Co
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdGcn7rNg67
"You find me annoying? Well, the feeling is mutual."240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj4reSRmYYi
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡocYft8cISv
But she knew better than anyone that she couldn't just... do that. So, she sighed. She sighed and shook her head.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7DytdxH8q5
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡisfCDf9fme
The Harbinger looked at her with vigilance. Lola suspected that she had earned some respect from her, but she doubted that would make the fight any easier.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0nKjUbZYcg
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ya8MlG2WX
As it was right now, she couldn't make any progress. Anima hadn't even used her magic yet, and yet Lola struggled to deliver a meaningful blow. At the rate she was going, she'd be whittled down, engaged in a battle of attrition she didn't have the mettle to endure.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡexqZXfnLCF
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdmxyCum0Lb
But options were scarce. Any direct attack would either be dodged or countered and any spell was either too weak or suffered the same fate. With how aggressive Anima was being, she had no time to imbue the room with her mana.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvCd5Hz7ToO
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFv18F7dt8b
"...Unless, of course."240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh0e0O5lXQd
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnmirYyJVzH
She had to concede that her opponent was the better fighter in hand-to-hand combat; those few exchanges were all it took for her to realize. But it seemed to Lola that she was the far better mage.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDVlTBBJvas
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtjedhehqo5
She took a stance, holding her dagger in one hand and keeping her other free. From now on, she would play to her strengths.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEclBA5q2mT
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFfX4wSa0Cs
"I don't like what you're planning!"240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV3G1Hfv7Wz
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm8fb4VvoUs
Anima was an opponent who had an impossible ability to predict actions. Anima was an opponent who was cautious about and loathed being confrontational. Yet despite this, she was a skillful aggressor. But she was not impenetrable.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj9F4GlkG6u
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLsTM7WIDMQ
As the Harbinger charged for the umpteenth time, Lola remarked at how inconsistent her ability to predict was. The reason for the discrepancy was unknown to her, and she had no opportunity to ponder and deduce it. That, however, would lose all its relevancy if every inch of the room was a weapon.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoxOQfpp2hB
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ85OOOGbJA8
Her approach changed. Anima threw a small ball of fire at Lola, but expecting divergence, Lola was unfazed. She smacked the spell away with her dagger, preparing to back away again, only to hesitate once she noticed how close the Harbinger was. Anima thrust her knife– an action parried by Lola's swift movements. She attempted a riposte, but with a reckless motion, had her dagger countered with a resounding clang.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtx3MKKsMXb
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHQR854t4Xa
It became clear to Lola that knifeplay was inimical for progress. Thus, she backed away, a motion that took advantage of Anima's poor posture. The Harbinger clicked her tongue and prepared another spell. It wasn't a haphazard product this time, but a sizeable, dangerous wall of flame. Lola had a skulking smirk, but a telling sea of sweat.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnMxqvD0Izd
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡieOQF7GC7f
It became time to set her plan in motion. She released the bubbling mana in her hand and suspended it behind her back, then formed a mass of water of similar size. She took great relief in seeing Anima's eyes widen, reeling her arm and flinging her spell.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcQdEsUddY7
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNgrAVWQ4VX
The Harbinger hastily threw her own spell to match Lola's. The two met, and a cloud of vapor burst from the collision, spreading through the entire room instantly. The haze was surprisingly thick; Lola knew that staying in place would only hurt her. She grabbed her suspended mana and continued supplying it, running through the steam and keeping a watchful eye–240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyPOUVppe4L
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAw7vnzfnvd
**THUD**240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXMPv2WulDY
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoJ6p9ZBeI7
But then she felt a great force slam her stomach. She rolled across the room, clutching her gut. It wasn't even remotely a fatal blow, but she cringed as if her organs burst.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy2XsC0HNPh
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfWKCDNjxYR
She tried to stand on her feet. She was only halfway stable before she caught something shifting in the fog. She jerked to avoid it–240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZZaPawokCQ
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ6jwvSWsHT
"--Hrk!"240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz2KrO3g5qN
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0uBPCnhN5X
–but didn't move fast enough for it to miss.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡABHoFX6mR1
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbuzkJWbOkK
Her reaction wasn't a result of instinct, but a habit acquired from her time in the field. She lifted her foot and swiped it in front of her, connecting with something. The steam began to dissipate, and she caught the Harbinger several meters away from her, but now her right femur felt one nudge away from being dislocated from her hip. She dashed away and looked at the new source of pain: her sizzling gash.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp8KSeM0nWM
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNVQ9lwlE79
It was on her right shoulder. She was thankful that she wore protective gear, because otherwise the cut could've net her a lost arm. Though, with how much it bled, it was still nothing to scoff at. She collapsed for a moment, scoffing.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBcBn2Nt8ka
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz0uSD4LM0g
"This..."240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhsGSkbu67F
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl7QATZs6RC
She hardly had the strength to verbalize her complaints, but her ire wasn't her denied by her sudden dumbness. She paused releasing mana into her spell, suspending it into the air again and performed mana spinning on herself.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqr88NqEIkc
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhwweuOIHI7
She could only do a little before her opponent returned to harassing her. Lola clicked her tongue, but got on her feet and brandished her dagger.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUta35TeaO2
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcN22vLWEVF
"I couldn't even, wrap it–!"240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Pvybv7vyU
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdgo7Vz0VO1
Lola realized just how much trouble she had keeping calm. It stunned her for a moment, but ultimately, she still decided to challenge Anima's approach.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJvd8R3beUY
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHlQxmEipGq
The Harbinger's eyes didn't widen. It was then, she stopped moving.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡREqFSMaQF9
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ8gr8cWrld
"--sneaky!"240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzTxJ6JFLFE
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaGaUwS4shY
Anima thrust her knife again, and again Lola parried it with her dagger. It wasn't as impactful, having it be done with her non-dominant hand, and Anima took advantage of it to try a slash. Lola moved reeled her head just in time and retaliate with an upward kick. Anima blocked it with her forearm, though it was only so effective, and since it was Lola's right leg she winced from the move. The Harbinger tried thrusting again, but had her blade caught in between Lola's.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXHXX7ltYDj
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyjek85jizw
Instead of baiting a grab, Lola acted fast. She twirled her wrist and jerked her arm to her, weakening Anima's grip, then hurtled her arm the otherway, and Anima's knife flew across the room.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Smve96kdB
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzmQWzojq3E
Anima seemed rather happy, though, and it was apparent why when Lola received a fist to the face.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7vWnuwbWzo
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtYGywTaI4N
She managed to brace her jaw before the impace, but it still made her head ring. She was met with another one, and then a third one to her chest.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt462v9d9t4
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoPcEZK8v61
And of course, none of them were strong enough to send her flying. It was only after a short flurry, a storm of blows and jabs, that the Harbinger hit her hard enough to create distance.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ487YOkdh8b
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd0zBBmretm
Lola didn't roll, but flew straight to the wall, sliding down while coughing and wheezing.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRsOiMSxJb8
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Wkz1B53mi
...And I wanted to play to my strengths. What a bitch, this woman...240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjzDpmQxn3C
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrCbNxyR5F6
She checked her spell and determined it still wasn't ready. Only a little more– only a little more and the battle would finally turn to her side.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzXFeC2kaoY
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVnsXSj3u31
She knew that. She know that, but still, she hardly wanted to get up.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrnVjMXsvCh
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0SZl1LzFx7
Even as the Harbinger went to grab her knife, moseying as if she hadn't an opponent at all, she had no drive to stand.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyOKD4j3Wx2
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvZurjmVAYc
So instead, she kept focusing, and focusing, and focusing–240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu0YvyLFYEF
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ381ZlQrTDL
"You've been an interesting opponent. I may not show it, but I'm aching. Aching and exhausted."240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHziOiLsD6l
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTJbWs5xemq
Her gait didn't reflect her words. She trudged firmly.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqYVWBL90gR
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXiK16oMT6k
"I win, though–"240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtMHmsipEYB
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSn5An5xor8
Then, at that moment, she displayed the greatest expression of shock. Widened eyes, a sudden jump, and a profound grimace.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIbYy5zNSAE
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwb9ElvwWia
Anima didn't even spare her an insult, she darted her head to the walls and sprinted. Lola eyed her and noticed she was heading to the exit. Then, listlessly slapping her right hand on the floor, her mana permeated throughout the soaked room.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2pTHfl0UiH
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvSudsloAkk
The effect was immediate. The room's stern architecture dawned a sludge-like form, one that slowed Anima down instantly. She threw Lola a look of scorn and raised her knife, hurling it at her. A piece of the floor rose to intercept it.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTEBnzyzg5m
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTg8F0630bx
"I hardly need to think to control this room. It's like Intent in a way, you know?"240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJWABm2Utns
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡobQ3WJuw1h
She got on her legs, using a half-broken chair that slid to her as a support. She eyed the Harbinger, who, though still looked furious, was surprisingly calm.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLOClj9a8gA
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTkPtRb9CT3
"Can't move your legs?"240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwPXBcb6jqw
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbVgoEKptO5
"You cheap shit. You're everything I hate about people."240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjxNKcbKr3x
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVjvXsmuaPE
"--Pfff, haha! Where is this coming from?"240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQQ1sIVjLl7
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuS65gTTSEP
Even Lola was surprised at her laughter. It detracted her from her disgruntling situation for a moment. She gazed at the Harbinger. She did nothing more but gaze.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTY6j9a1I5X
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBwVUto1QLi
"Aren't you going to do something?"240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW8Rqu63QfQ
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmcM2SRTTBK
"...You're right. Strange, do you want to die? I would've kept you alive a little longer if you hadn't said anything."240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLQdG7pNXJj
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkg0xYb3HfM
The Harbinger rolled her eyes in response. Lola commanded the room to form a spike out of the furniture, then created a mock catapult out of the floor.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvPtDE6DWFt
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwYHsKk1uA3
It didn't fire immediately, however, because it was at moments like these that Lola always paused before firing.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡist1kLg9nD
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqJ0JbWU0K5
That would reveal itself to be a mistake.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZbdlLkWBm9
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvScB7tKadn
Anima suddenly ducked and extended her hand, firing a ball of fire that had little time to form, but was strong enough to blast the catapult. Lola was brough back to the present, and again she commanded the room to attack, but as she did, Anima pointed her arms in the opposite direction of the wall, and then–240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfGVEIpDmiL
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ702BzenX3T
**BOOM**240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPAqmaobQKg
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS4UlD4ewtg
A gust of wind powerful enough to send every unfixed object to the opposite side blew in the room. Lola was sent to the wall, which cushioned her collision instead of exacerbating it, but it still hurt. When she opened her eyes, she saw a giant hole, and her opponent on the other side.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpMM55oy2uk
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDUizhbXnH5
Anima stood up. Even from this distance, she could make out all the scratches from the debris. They exchanged looks. Lola expected Anima to turn and run, but she approached, stopping short of the hole in the wall.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfJztv3qWC9
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRXDSPYj6Ay
"People like you," she said, pointing her bruised finger, "people like you. You fill me with putrid disgust, so loathsome I oughta spit at you."240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDe5SSgxFL2
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyQpaCBsnZ4
"--?"240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFLGU4j1AhU
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ85lu1U3Xrf
"Go. Look at me like an oblivious child. It's fitting. It oozed from your every motion."240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ31AWBreOsb
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6AhXxh7uAR
She withdrew her head, turned around and ran. Lola was stumped for a moment, but she discarded her words. It was just the deranged ramblings of a Harbinger, after all.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡezuVh8niSP
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ZYoNY7k6w
"...Ehh."240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfWxCsTr26V
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs958c3QXNd
She shook her head. She focused on what was before her, what was relevant. She succeeded. That thought rang in her head through the various junk she was preoccupied with.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO4K0WaJoI3
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXhIHFd3isu
Yet again, here she was. A job completed, and her neighbors safer.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPsaQ7Gg9Om
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ11UPYGiyNx
"..."240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB8kqQHnPMm
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPrNJyDfeMj
She wondered how much she'd really mind if the floor didn't stop that knife.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHFKpXOeku9
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNIi5YXX5Oc
"Mmm, well. Now isn't, the time for that."240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt7m86DRb05
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIjSY3kfzmE
The wound on her shoulder still gushed blood. Her energy drained faster because of it, but she had to tend to it to live. She began mana spinning. Still hurt, still tired, still doused.240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtLQcGLQUQm
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCTISbVHZHy
A new, quiet liquid brushed her cheeks.
240Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡei6RAx5ME3
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